Abstract

Background

African American women have the greatest breast cancer mortality and shortest survival rates of any racial or ethnic group. Increased adherence to general population dietary guidelines has been linked to improved breast cancer outcomes. Limited information exists on the dietary habits and level of adherence to general population dietary recommendations in African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS).

Objective

We explored differences in diet quality assessed via HEI and AHEI by demographic and anthropometric characteristics.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis of the baseline interview including a food frequency questionnaire.

Adherence to population-based dietary recommendations was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI) and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI).

Statistical analyses performed

We calculated standard descriptive statistics for nutrient intakes, including total and components scores from HEI and AHEI. Linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and dietary adherence.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 57 and were approximately seven years post-initial breast cancer diagnosis. The mean HEI total score was 65.1 (range: 38.9-93.9; max score 100) and mean AHEI total score was 56.8 (range: 25.00 - 85.8; max score 110) indicating sub-optimal diet quality. In the adjusted analysis, HEI and AHEI total scores were positively associated with education, income, moderate physical activity (HEI only) and negatively associated with waist-hip ratio, and smoking status.

Conclusion

Generally, non-smokers, who reported more moderate physical activity, more years of education, and smaller waist circumferences had better quality diets compared to other participants. Understanding deficiencies in the diet of AABCS will help to inform the development of effective lifestyle interventions for this at-risk group.